Don’t Invite Unwanted 'Guests' to Your Super Bowl Party

Even though Super Bowl Sunday is not an official holiday, millions of Americans celebrate the day with family and friends.

In fact, Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day of food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving, according to a press release by the Kane County Health Department.

However, unlike a sit-down dinner, most Super Bowl parties feature buffet-style fare.

The KCHD recommends if you are planning a Super Bowl party, make sure to follow the 'Food Safety Playbook' to ensure that everyone enjoys the party,and nobody goes home sick.

 “A popular way to celebrate holidays, or any party occasion is to invite friends and family to a buffet,” said Paul Kuehnert, executive director for the KCHD.

“However, this type of food service, where foods may be out for long periods leaves the door open for uninvited guests- bacteria that cause food borne illness.”

A simple way to remember safe food practices to think of four simple words: clean, separate, cook and chill, Kuehnert said in the release.

Below is a game plan from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on how to host a champion-caliber get-together:

Illegal Use of Hands

Avoid penalties for "illegal use of hands." Unclean hands are one of the biggest culprits for spreading bacteria, and finger foods at parties are especially vulnerable. Chefs and guests should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Also, be sure to clean eating surfaces often, and wash serving platters before replenishing them with fresh food.

Offsides

Think of your party fare as two different teams—uncooked versus ready-to-eat foods. Prevent "encroachment" at all costs and keep each team in its own zone. The juices from raw meat can contain harmful bacteria that cross-contaminate other food. Use one cutting board for raw meat and poultry and another one for cutting veggies or foods that will not be cooked. If you use only one cutting board, wash it with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.

Equipment Violations and Holding

Call a "time out" and use a food thermometer to be sure meat and poultry are safely cooked. Remember that internal temperature, not meat color, indicates doneness.

"Holding" may be one of the most likely offenses your referee encounters if your party lasts late into the night. Never hold foods for more than two hours at room temperature. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly to block offensive bacteria from multiplying. The same rules apply for cold foods. If cold food has been sitting out for more than two hours, do not eat it. When in doubt, throw it out of the game—and your party.

More food safety tips are available at www.kanehealth.com. Also, on the FDA’s Web site at www.fda.gov, the release said.